Wolves in Germany: Illegal kills increase - nature conservation in danger!

Wolves in Germany: Illegal kills increase - nature conservation in danger!

wolves are increasingly in focus, not only because of their return to our forests, but also because of the numerous challenges that are associated with their resettlement. The numbers speak a clear language: The number of illegal wolf casting has increased significantly in recent years without the perpetrators being frequently held accountable. This is evident from the report of MDR , which reports on a first confirmed case in Thuringia. A wolf was shot and, as initially suspected

Wildering is a significant problem, since nature conservation associations such as NABU have now requested stricter measures and criminal charges as well as rewards for indications of illegal killings. "There is something," one could say, because the wolf only returned to Germany in 2000, 150 years after its extermination. With the progressive spread of the wolf population, especially in northeastern Germany, conflicts with shepherds and farmers who have to worry about their herds are increasingly arising

wolf attacks and illegal killings

A look at the numbers makes it clear how quickly the situation can tip over: Were no damage from wolves in 2000, the attacks on farm animals rose sharply - in 2023 over 5,500 injured or killed animals were documented, with the number in 2024 already decreasing by about 1,000 cases.

The number of illegal killings is also considered to be significantly higher - the estimates range up to a tenfold. The documentation of Tagesschau On this topic shows that the EU states recently approved the relief of wolves and that Germany supported this decision. Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke emphasizes that a balance between pasture and species protection must be found here.

The outlook on the future of the wolf

There are already demands to change the wolf's protection status, which could possibly have serious consequences for the population. In the past, the wolf had to deal with threats in many European countries, despite a high protection status by the Fauna Flora Habita Directive (FFH). Exceptions to the wolf shot are allowed in the Baltic States, Poland and other regions. nabu emphasizes that herd protection should be a central component of every solution, and warns that the relieved shooting down will not eliminate the risk of crack animals.

The discussion about the wolf is complex, and so it will be exciting how the situation develops. While some federal states are demanding hunting of the wolf, nature conservation associations warn of the dangers of legalizing such measures that could lead to local extermination. Perhaps a good hand just lacks to make the right decisions in wildlife policy, and it will be crucial how we want to deal with these animals as a society.